Saturday, March 8, 2014

International Women's Day - Inspiring Change

Today is International Women's Day and this years theme is inspiring change. Firstly, I think its awesome that there is a day dedicated to recognising women all over the world. Considering the huge inequality that existed not so long ago (and unfortunately still does in some countries) it is wonderful to see women being celebrated and not subdued. The theme inspiring change has really made me stop and think about the incredible changes that have taken place in my life and I must admit (at the risk of sounding up myself), I am extremely proud of myself for having the strength to make these changes.

I am incredibly grateful that I didn't have to live back in the early 1900's when women had far less rights than they do today. Unfortunately that didn't stop me from ending up in a relationship with a man who treated me like a possession. I know what its like to be treated like a second class citizen. To be belittled each day. To have to ask for (and almost always be denied) permission to do things which I should have had freewill to do. On some level I can relate to those women who still live this way these days. Thankfully I no longer have to live like this.

I was able to gain the strength I needed to in order to fight back and stand up for myself. These days there are so many resources to help women become independent and break free of these situations. Thankfully I was able to go to court and represent myself to get divorced. I am so glad that I don't live in a time where I had to stay in an unhappy, controlling marriage forever. Hallelujah!

Women are a lot stronger than we give ourselves credit for. However, I think its still a little frowned on by society when women celebrate their successes or blow their own trumpet and I'm not sure why. Well, today is the day where there are no excuses to not do it! Today is all about celebrating women, celebrating change and celebrating success. The tiny little feminist inside me is getting up on her soap box and saying, go on pat yourselves on the back. You're all important, special and worth it!